Lily of the valley

This vigorous, shade-loving ground cover has broad green leaves and stands 6 to 8 inches tall. In mid-spring, charming white bell-shaped flowers with a sweet scent dangle along short stems. Lily-of-the-valley spreads rapidly by sprouting from underground stems and may crowd out other plants.

Botanical name:

Convallaria majalis

All Common Names:

Lily-of-the-Valley, Lily of the Valley, Lady's tears

Family (English):

Lily-of-the-valley

Family (Botanic):

Ruscaceae

Tree or Plant Type:

Ground cover

,

Perennial

Native Locale:

Non-native

Landscape Uses:

Massing

,

Foundation

,

Mixed border

,

Patio/sidewalk

Size Range:

Small plant (6-12 inches)

,

Low-growing plant (under 6 inches)

Light Exposure:

Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)

,

Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)

Hardiness Zones:

Zone 2

,

Zone 3

,

Zone 4

,

Zone 5

,

Zone 6

,

Zone 7

,

Zone 8

Soil Preference:

Moist, well-drained soil

Foliage:

Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)

Season of Interest:

Early spring

,

Mid spring

,

Late spring

Flower Color & Fragrance:

Fragrant

,

White

Shape or Form:

Spreading

,

Upright

Growth Rate:

Fast

More Information:

Size and Form

6 to 8 inches tall; width varies as this is a colony forming plant that will spread rapidly.

Tree & Plant Care

An old-fashioned aggressive ground cover. Tolerant of most soil types, but best in well-drained loamy soil. Tolerant of drought.If flower productions decreases over time, divide clumps.Can crowd out other plants.

Disease, pests and problems

Anthracnose (fungus) and slugs can be problematic.This plant grows very aggressively.